Alabama, United States of America: 1957
#PWHS #Results #NorthAmerica #USA #Alabama #Anniston #Wrestling #ProWrestling
january 1957
JANUARY 11, 1957 (FRIDAY)
Promoter: Nick Gulas
Sponsor: Control Board
National Guard Armory, Anniston, Alabama
- One Fall - Thirty Minute Time-Limit
Karl Kowalsi Vs. Chris Bulkus/Bulhus, [Chris Belkas]
Result Unknown
- Mixed Tag Team [Man/Woman Vs. Man/Woman] - Two out of Three alls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
"Killer" Karl "The Bearded Terror of the Mat" & Carol Kowalski Vs. Chris Bulkus "The Greek Flash" & Arlene Ratcliff,
Result Unknown
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
It's said Gulas and the Board "predict a capacity crowd."
Karl & Caroi are said to be husband and Wife, and said to be the only husband and wife team in the nation.
JANUARY 25, 1957 (FRIDAY)
Wrestling: Two Big Matches
Promoter: Gus Gulas
Sponsor: National Guard Control Board
National Guard Armory, Anniston, Alabama
Tickets $0.50, $0.90 & $1.25
1 - Farmer Jones & Pig Vs. Walter Sirois,
Result Unknown
2 - Ladies - Two out of Three Falls
Millie Stafford Vs. Belle Starr,
Result Unknown
JANUARY 26, 1957 (SATURDAY)
WABT-TV-Channel 13 (Birmingham): Live Wrestling
Anniston, Alabama
Note:
Airs at 22:30.
february 1957
FEBRUARY 1, 1957 (FRIDAY)
Promoters: Nick Gulas & Roy Welch
National Guard Armory, Oxford, Alabama
1 - [Women] Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Mary Jane Mull Vs. Carol Cook,
Result Unknown
2 - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Farmer Jones & "His Pet Pig" Vs. Red Roberts,
Result Unknown
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
FEBRUARY 14, 1957 (THURSDAY)
Promoters: Nick Gulas & Roy Welch (of Birmingham)
Sponsor: The "L" Club of Lincoln
Lincoln High School Gym, Lincoln, Nebraska
1 - Women - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Miss Millie Stafford Vs. Mrs. Carol Kowalski,
Result Unknown
2 - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Killer Karl Kowalski Vs. Jack Dunnavant,
Result Unknown
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
march 1957
MARCH 8, 1957 (FRIDAY)
Anniston, Alabama
"Former Wrestler Slated To Lead Revival In City
The Rev. Bob Oughton, St. Louis evangelist and former wrestler, will conduct a series of revival services at Moore Avenue Baptist Church next week.
The services will be held nightly at 7:30 o'clock from March 10-24.
During the series the evangelist will tell his life's story entitled 'From the Wrestling Ring to the Pulpit.'
The speaker is a holder of five weight-lifting records in the Ozark AAU and after turning to the ministry, has conducted religious campaigns in many parts of the U.S., Japan and the Phillipine Islands." - The Star
Wrestling
School Gym, Ranburne, Alabama
Attendance "Large Crowd"
april 1957
APRIL 5, 1957 (FRIDAY)
Promoters: Nick Gulas (of Birmingham) & Roy Welch (of Birmingham)
Sponsor: Munford Home Demonstration Club
Munford High School Gym, Munford, Alabama
1 - Ladies
Miss Bonnie Watson Vs. Miss Ella Waldek,
Result Unknown
2 - Chris Belkas Vs. Con Bruno,
Result Unknown
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
This is said to be "The first big - time professional wrestling card at the Munford High School gym."
"Miss Waldek, born of German parentage, says that one of the prides of her race is strong, athletic bodies, Ella has participated in many sports, is an accomplished roller skater and has a large beautiful trophy and many medals which she won in fancy roller skating contests.
After seeing her first girls' wrestling match, she decided to become a lady wrestler. Today she is one of the nation's top attractions." - The Star
APRIL 27, 1957 (SATURDAY)
Promoters: Nick Gulas & Roy Welch (of Birmingham)
Sponsor: The "L" Club of Lincoln
Lincoln High School Gym, Lincoln, Alabama
1 - Ladies - One Fall - Thirty Minute Time-Limit
Miss Penny Banner Vs. Miss Belle Starr,
Result Unknown
2 - One Fall - Thirty Minute Time-Limit
"Rowdy" Red Roberts Vs. Tinker Todd,
Result Unknown
3 - Mixed Tag Team [Man/Woman Vs. Man/Woman]
"Rowdy" Red Roberts & Miss Penny Banner Vs. Tinker Todd & Miss Belle Starr,
Result Unknown
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
Banner is described as "one of the prettiest wrestlers in the business."
may 1957
MAY 2, 1957 (THURSDAY)
Wrestling
Sponsor: The Senior Class
School Gym, Ranburne, Alabama
MAY 29, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Anniston, Alabama
"Jack Sharkey, the old heavyweight champion, is in no danger of becoming a public charge. He earned $40,000 last year as an expert fireeater and wrestling referee." - The Star
june 1957
JUNE 8, 1957 (SATURDAY)
WABT-TV-Channel 13 (Birmingham): Live Wrestling
Anniston, Alabama
Note:
Airs at 22:30.
JUNE 15, 1957 (SATURDAY)
Post Amphitheater, Anniston, Alabama
1 - Girls - Two out of Three Falls
Judy Glover Vs. Belle Starr,
Result Unknown
2 - The Black Bat Vs. Charlie Laye,
Result Unknown
Notes:
The show starts at 20:00.
This is a show for military personnel, but the general public can also attend.
JUNE 28, 1957 (FRIDAY)
Anniston, Alabama
"Ju-Jitsu Vs. Wrestling
A good American catch-as-catch-can wrestler can overcome a ju-jitsu expert in a rough-and-tumble fight, according to the encyclopedia Britannica." - The Star
july 1957
JULY 25, 1957 (THURSDAY)
Anniston, Alabama
"Wrestler Admits Life Of Crime; Turns Self In
Syracuse, N.Y. (UP) - A 320-pound wrestler, held for extradition to Michigan, said today he turned to crime because 'wrestling doesn't pay.'
'I only made about $250 a week,' 6-foot, 7-inch Richard L. O'Reilly said, 'Wrestling's a crooked business. I should have made %1,500 a week.'
O'Reilly admitted, however, he hasn't done too well in crime. In fact, he turned himself in to police.
'I just got tired of it all,' he said. 'Crime is no better than wrestling.'
O'Reilly told officers he's wanted for larceny, robbery, car theft, probation violation and check forgery in such varied places as Dallas, Tex., Lansing, Mich., and Jackson, Miss.
Lansing officials wired Syracuse police they want him for the probation violation.
'I got a raw deal in wrestling,' the big 21-year-old Lansing native said, 'It's the managers mostly. They took 60 per cent of what I earned.'
'You know, I've fought Gorgeous George, Pretty Boy Collins and the Elephant Boy, mostly down in Texas. It was all fixed, crooked.
'They ought to clean wrestling up, make it honest,' he said.
O'Reilly said, 'All there is to wrestling is going into the ring and grunting and flopping around and making animal noises." - The Star
JULY 27, 1957 (SATURDAY)
Special Services 40th Anniversary
Post Amphitheater - Fort McClellan, Anniston, Alabama
Tickets: "No Admission Charge"
1 - [Women]
Judy Glover Vs. Belle Starr,
Result Unknown
2 - Chick Garibaldi Vs. Walter Sirois,
Result Unknown
3 - Rowdy Red Roberts Vs. Angelo Martinelli,
Result Unknown
Notes:
The venue has a 15,000 capacity limit.
The show starts at 20:00.
"This show will mark the windup of Special Services week which celebrated that section's 40th anniversary of providing entertainment for Army personnel during their off duty hours." - The Star
The general public are also allowed to attend the show.
JULY 28, 1957 (SUNDAY)
Anniston, Alabama
"After the Whistle
By Paul Cox
Hold on to your girdles, girls, those grunt and groaners are coming back to Anniston.
That bit of earth-shaking news came via long distance telephone from Oneonta Mailman Nick Carter yesterday morning. Earthing-shaking because wrestling has never gone over big with Anniston sports.
Of course, there could be a reason. Wrestling has never been promoted here like the ever-popular Nick can promote it. There has never been a suitable arena and the grapplers have never been of television proportion.
It's no secret that Promoter Carter has made a small fortune with his wrestling ventures in our neighboring city of Gadsden. His grapplers always outdraw any athletic event in the Gadsden area.
There's a reason for this, and Nick gives it to you straight.
'I've been in the wrestling business a long time,' he says, 'and I've seen some good promoters and some bad ones - most of them bad. I made up my mind along time ago that someday I would give the wrestling public what it wanted.
'You can't tell me that the people don't go for wrestling, because attendance records are being broken all over the nation. But you've got to please the crowd, and the only way to do that is to go out and get the best performers.
Bringing Best In Business
'We'll be bringing some of the best in the business to Anniston. For instance, on opening night, Wednesday, Aug. 7, we will bring the nation's most popular bad man to your city. Naturally, I mean the Japanese TV star, Tor Yamato.
"Yamato specializes in judo and really puts on a good show every time he steps into the ring. And let me tell you, he's plenty good. I should know, because I've been in there with him for times and lost three of them.'
The mention of Tor Yamato brings to mind something that happened while I was teaching junior boys Sunday School class recently. We couldn't get anything done with our Sunday School lesson because everybody wanted ot talk about that 'big Jap who wrestles on TV.'
Seems the boys were up late Saturday night just waiting on that TV restling.
It's that way just about everywhere. Try to criticize wrestling and you'd better be ready to fight. Supporters of the game point out that people are looking for entertainment and that's certainly what they get.
They tell you that boxing is crooked, and ppoint out that wrestling has outdrawn the more rugged sports for many years. They also point out that wrestlers are not fakes, just showmen.
As Nick said, wrestling returns to Anniston on Wednesday night, Aug. 7. Yamato will be one of the participants, and two outstanding young lady grapplers will be in the fold. Starting time is 8:15 o'clock, and the place is the old Dr. Pepper building at 10th Street and Pine.
Red Roberts Big Attraction
'We have gone to a lot of expense to get that building ready,' Carter said. 'The ring is new and the building is air cooled. We're going all out for this thing, and we'll bring the best in the business to Anniston. I don't see how the people can help but be pleased.'
Another of Nick's big attractions is Rowdy Red Roberts, generally recognized as the South's junior heavyweight champion.
Rowdy Red is one of the game's color guys. The 200-pounder, is as his name applies, is rowdy.
'Certainly I'm rough in there,' Rowdy Red says, 'I lost my first 16 matches as a pro becuse my opponents took advantage of every break in the rules and every laxity of the referee and kicked the daylights out of me. So, I decided I better get rough, too. I've been rough all the way since my start and it has paid off for me.
As a policeman in Little Rock, Ark., my home, I learned hand-tohand tactics.'
Now it would hard to believe Rowdy Red is as rowdy as they say he is by merely reading publicity release.
But I'll never forget one night he wrestled in Bynum. Seems he got a little bit too tough in the ring, and his opponent wasn't too happy.
They slugged it out with chairs in the dressing room, practically tore up the joint and the promoter canceled all future shows.
Said he was getting out of wrestling. The sport was just too rugged for him. Said that he'd stick to football, boxing or something else.
Anbody care to crawl through the ropes with Tor Yamato Wednesday night, Aug 7?" - The Star
august 1957
AUGUST 3, 1957 (SATURDAY)
WABT-TV-Channel 13 (Birmingham): Live Wrestling
Anniston, Alabama
Note:
Airs at 22:30.
AUGUST 7, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Wrestling: An All Star Card
Promoters: Nick Carter & Nick Gulas
Anniston Wrestling Arena (old Dr. Pepper building - 10th & Pine), Anniston, Alabama
Tickets: $0.50 & $1.00
Attendance: "Some 400 Fans Were Turned Away"
1 - One Fall
Jack Dunnevant (of Phoenix City, Ala.) def. "Wild" Bill Peterson (of Oklahoma)
2 - Ladies - Two out of Three Falls
Mars Bennett def. Belle Starr,
Two Falls to One
3 - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Tor Yamota "Japanese TV Star" def. "Jumping" Joe Costello (of Texas),
Two Falls to One
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
Dunnevant is said to be 200lbs.
Bonnie Watson versus Judy Glover was advertised, not Bennett-Starr.
Carter said he "plans to enlarge the arena for next Wednesday night's stellar card."
AUGUST 10, 1957 (SATURDAY)
WABT-TV-Channel 13 (Birmingham): Live Wrestling
Anniston, Alabama
Note:
Airs at 22:30.
AUGUST 14, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Anniston, Alabama
Due to last week's problem of turning fans away, "Promoters Nick Carter and Nick Gulas threw in another $1,500 to knock out the wall of the arena and there'll be almost twice as many seats available when tonight's outstanding card is presented." - The Star
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
Attendance: "Near Capacity"
1 - One Fall - Thirty Minute Time-Limit
Nick Carter (of Oneonta) def. Mr. Moto Jr. "Japanese TV Hero"
2 - Two out of Three Falls Sixty Minute Time-Limit [Women]
Mars Bennett (of Detroit, Mich) def. Dot Detson/Dottie Dobson,
Two Falls to One
3 - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
"Rugged" Jack Dunnavent def. Tor Yamota,
Two Falls to One
Notes:
The show starts at 20:00.
Said to be Moto's first appearance in Anniston.
It's said last week was Yamota's debut here.
"If ever a girl fitted into professioanl girls' wrestling field, it is the impressive-looking Mars Bennett of Detroit, Mich. She has had a career that is chock full of dramatic action.
River In War Plant
In capsule form, Mars, who is only 27 years of age, has been an acrobatic dancer and scholastic breast stroke champion. She has been a riveter in a war plant, a circus performer, first as a rider of horses and elephants and then starring in her own trapeze act. Her family has a circus background - her mother is one of the few female clowns and her dad a well-known comedian.
Mars, who was billed as the 'Girl with the Iron Jaw' in her trapeze act, is one of the huskiest of girl wrestlers. She is powerfull built, scaling 140lbs, which are well distributed over a 5-3 frame.
A graduate of Northeastern High School in Michigan, Mars earned her first sports headline as a swimmer. She was undefeated breast stroke champion at 220 yards. She was also a member of the girls' baseball and tennis teams in high school." - The Star
Initially Yamota was given the win, "However, the disputed decision was reversed by Ahtletic Commissioner Inspector Walter Neugent; giving the match to Dunnavant."
Yamota "was using some of his famous illegal judo holds when Nick Carter came to Dunnavant's rescue."
Moto also jumped into the ring to help his countryman.
The four men will meet next week in a tag team bout to a finish.
AUGUST 15, 1957 (THURSDAY)
PARD Big Top
Carver Playground, Anniston, Alabama
Tickets: "Free"
Featuring animals, wrestling, riding wheels, roller skating, clowns and more clowns, the world's strongest man and etc.
Notes:
Show starts at 19:30.
AUGUST 17, 1957 (SATURDAY)
WABT-TV-Channel 13 (Birmingham): Live Wrestling
Anniston, Alabama
Note:
Airs at 22:30.
AUGUST 21, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Wrestling
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
1 - One Fall
Jack Dunnavant def. Mr. Moto Jr.
2 - [Women] Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Miss Bonnie Watson def. Miss Millie Stafford,
Two Falls to One
3 - Tag Team - To A Finish - Two Referees - Winner-Take-All - No Time-Limit
Tor Yamota & Mr. Moto Jr. def. Nick Carter (of Oneonta, Alabama) & Jack Dunnavant (Phenix City, Alabama)
Notes:
"A wholesale riot broke out."
"Immediately after the match, Cater with blood streaming from a cut across the forehead, challenged Yamato to a
fight to death next Wednesday night."
"Fans are for Carter 100 per cent. They joined in last night's melee with chairs, shoes and just about anything else the could get their hands on until quieted by alert policemen."
Carter, Dunnavant and the overflow fans refused to leave following the match.
Carter ended up slugging it with one of the referees.
"'I just want to get my hands on that Yamato one more time,' Carter said after what was easily the most exciting wrestling match ever held in Anniston. 'I'm challenging him to a fight to death next Wednesday night but I guess he's too scared to accept.'" - The Star
AUGUST ??, 1957 (????)
Birmingham, Alabama
1 - World Tag Team Championships
"The Corsica Brothers" Joe & Jean def. The Fargo Brothers (c)
NEW CHAMPIONS
Notes:
Prior to August 29, 1957.
[According to an Anniston, Alabama newspaper]
AUGUST 28, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Wrestling
Promoters: Nick Carter & Gus Gulas
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
1 -One Fall - Thirty Minute Time-Limit
Lester Welch def. Jean Corsica
2 - [Women] Two out of Three Falls - Thirty Minute TIme-Limit
Cathy Brach def. Bonnie Watson,
Two Falls to One
3 - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
"Corsica Brothers" Joe & Jean def. Don Fields & Lester Welch,
Two Falls to One (F1 JC/JC ??:??:??? - F2 DF/LW ??:??:?? - F3 JC/JC ??:??:?? - C ??:??:??)
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
The Corsica Brothers are billed as the World Tag Team Champions.
"'We know the Corsica brothers are tops in their field but we can beat them,' Fields and Welch agreed today. 'I certainly wouldn't get in the ring with them if I didn't believe I could win,' Fields added."
It was advertised Jean would Fields in the opening match.
It was advertised Watson would wrestle Belle Drummond.
The promoters announced the two teams would be in a rematch the following week.
september 1957
SEPTEMBER 4, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Promoters: Gus Gulas & Nick Carter
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
1 - [Women] Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Millie Stafford def. Cathy Branch,
Two Falls to One
2 - World Tag Team Championship - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
"The Corsica Brothers" Jean & Joe (c) def. Lester Welcch & Don Fields,
Two Falls to One (F1 DF/LW ??:??:?? - F2 JC/JC ??:??:?? - F3 JC/JC ??:??:?? - C ??:??:??)
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
"'There seemed to be some question about our victory last Wednesday night, but there certainly won't be any tonight,' said the Corsica brothers.
'We plan to get rid of Lester Welch and Don Fields in a hurry and prove to the people in Anniston that we deserve our title as world tag team champions.'"
"'Those Corsicas think they're hot stuff,' Welch and Fields agreed, 'but we're going to show them tonight. By all rights, we won last week's match here. We'll have a different referee this time, and it'll be a different story.'" - The Star
It's reported the ladies match did not "exactly please the crowd."
"Welch claimed that the fall was illegal and an investigation will be conducted by the Alabama Boxing and Wrestling Commission."
It's said Fields suffered an injury in the match and consequently will be missing from action next week.
"'That fall was illegal,' Welch said over the microphone while still in the ring. 'I've wrestled in practically every state and it's illegal in every state - especially in Alabama.'"
Welch also said he'd get "the veteran Tex Riley" for next week and a grudge match against the Corsicas.
It's reported the third fall may be voided by the Wrestling Commission.
SEPTEMBER 7, 1957 (SATURDAY)
Anniston, Alabama
"Several from this community [Chosea Springs] attended wrestling Wednesday night held in Anniston." - The Star
SEPTEMBER 11, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
NCO Open Mess
NCO Club, Anniston, Alabama
1 - "Popular" Don Fields Vs. Rowdy Red Roberts,
Result Unknown
2 - Ladies
Judy Glover Vs. Belle Starr,
Result Unknown
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
Referee: Freddie Lee
1 - Girls - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Millie Stafford def. China Mira Cuba,
Two Falls to One
2 - Grudge Match - Tag Team - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Don Fields & Farmer Jones (of Arkansas) def. The Corsica Brothers,
Two Falls to One (F1 DF/FJ ??:??:?? - F2 CB ??:??:?? - F3 DF/FJ ??:??:?? - C ??:??:??)
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
Cuba is said to be the prettiest female wrestler going.
At the end of last week's show it was announced the Corsicas would wrestle Lester Welch and Tex Riley.
Welch had to withdraw due to prior commitments.
Fields was injured at last week's show, but the doctor has cleared him to wrestle.
It's said this is Jones' initial appearance in Anniston.
Jones weighs 22lbs.
"'I understand Fields and Welch got a lousy deal up here last week,' Famer Jones said today. 'I'll tell you right now that the Corsica boys won't get away with anything as long as I'm in the ring. Don and I think that we can win and we will." - The Star
"'What Lester and I failed to do, Farmer Jones and I will finish tonight,' Fields said today.
'We got a raw deal here last week,' he added. 'The Corsica Brothers used an illegal hold and we've protested the decision ot the Alabama Athletic Commission.
'It'l be the Corsica Brothers who will protest tonight.'"
With their victory, it's said Jones & Fields staked a claim to the World Australian Tag Team Championship.
[What happened to Riley is not mentioned]
SEPTEMBER 18, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Wrestling
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
Attendance: "One Of The Smallest Crowds Of The Season"
Referee: Freddie Lee
1 - One Fall
Chick Garibaldi def. Walt Serois
2 - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Freddie Blassie (of St. Louis) def. Nick Carter "The Oneonta Mailman"
Two Falls to One (F1 FB ??:??:?? - F2 NC ??:??:?? - F3 FB ??:??:?? - C ??:??:??)
3 - Australia Mixed Tag Team [Woman/Man Vs. Woman/Man] - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Miss Penny Banner & Walt Serois def. Miss Cathy Branch & Chick Garibaldi,
Two Falls to One
Notes:
Show starts at 20:15.
Blassie is billed as the former Southern Junior Light Heavyweight Champion.
It's said, "Carter has just returned from a two weeks tour of Mexico where he won two impressive matches."
Blassie weighs 225lbs, and Carter 235.
Said to be the first Australian Mixed Tag Team Match of the season.
It's said to be Banner's first appearance of the season in Anniston.
The Black Panther was advertised to be Baner's partner.
SEPTEMBER 21, 1957 (SATURDAY)
WABT-TV-Channel 13 (Birmingham): Live Wrestling
Anniston, Alabama
Note:
Airs at 22:30.
SEPTEMBER 25, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Wrestling
Promoter: Gus Gulas
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
1 - Australian Tag Team - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Bill Lawler (of Anniston) & "Terrible" Tex Riley def. Walt Serois & Danny Dusek,
Result Unknown
2 - Midgets - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Sonny Boy Cassidy def. Farmer Pete,
Two Falls to One
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
The original card was:
1 - Danny Dusek Vs. Joe Costello
2 - Joe Costello & Tex Riley Vs. Frank "Tarzan" Hewitt & Danny Dusek
3 - Sonny Boy Cassidy Vs. Farmer Pete
It was then announced Nick Carter would be a substitute for Joe Costello, of Texas, in matches 1 & 2.
Carter & Frank Hewitt were put out of action with the flu.
Carter is in a hospital in Oneonta undergoing treatment.
It was also reported with the results that Chick Garibaldi was scheduled to appear, but also had the flu.
Lawler was a substitute for Carter in matches 1 & 2.
SEPTEMBER 26, 1957 (THURSDAY)
Anniston, Alabama
"Robert Bolton of 105 E. 6th St., reported to police the theft last nightof two hubcaps from his 1956 model Ford while he was attending the wrestling matches." - The Star
SEPTEMBER 27, 1957 (FRIDAY)
Anniston, Alabama
"All there is to wrestling is going into the ring and grunting and flopping around and making animal noises. - Wrestler Richard L. O'Reilly of Lannsing, Mich., who said he turned to crime because wrestling didn't pay." - The Star
SEPTEMBER 28, 1957 (SATURDAY)
WABT-TV-Channel 13 (Birmingham): Live Wrestling
Anniston, Alabama
Note:
Airs at 22:30.
october 1957
OCTOBER 2, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Promoter: Gus Gulas
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
Referee: Carl Frazer (of Gadsden)
1 - One Fall - Thirty Minute Time-Limit
Nick Carter def. Jackie Carter
(00:12:00)
2 - Ladies - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Bonnie Watson def. China Mira Cuba,
Two Falls to None - Disqualification
3 - Australian Tag Team - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
"The Fargo Brothers" Jackie & Don (with Sonny Boy Fargo) def. "Television Star" Cyclone Anaya & Nick Carter (of Oneonta)
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
It's reported on September 26, 1957, that Gulas was trying to sign the Fargo Brothers, Jack and Don; Herb Welch, Ronnie McKay and Tor Yomato.
Don was originally scheduled to face Carter in match 1.
Said to be the Fargos first appearance of the season here.
Sonny Boy is the manager of the Fargos, he "appears decked out in tuxedo and derby hat and puts on quite a show himself."
It's said the Fargos recent won the World Tag Team Championships in Madison Square Garden before an "overflow crowd of over 18,000."
Anaya is billed as the Southern Junior Heavyweight Champion.
"'I certainly am sorry that I couldn't make it to Anniston last Wednesday night,' Carter said from his hospital bed in Oneonta yesterday. 'But we're going to give fans in the Anniston area a show they'll never forget next week." - The Star (September 30, 1957)
The Fargos are reportedly "television's No. 1 wrestling drawing card at the moment."
"'We are offering Anniston wrestling fans the biggest show in the state this week,' Promoter Gus Gulas said today.
'You have to pay a fat guarantee to get the Fargo Brothers and I don't think anyone will want to miss this one."
Bill Lawley was also in attendance.
Lawley and Frazer are both Alabama Athletic Commission referees.
After Frazer awarded the bout to the Fargos, "Lawley jumped into the ring and awarded the decision to Nick Carter and Cyclone Anaya and then engaged in a lively boxing session with Frazer. Lawley also challenged Frazer to meet him in the ring next Wednesday night but Frazer refused the match.
Lawley's intervention in the decision brought a roar of approval from the overflow crowd and fans remained for several minutes after the match cheering Lawley, Carter and Anaya and seeking autographs from the three.
Carter and Anaya also roughed up the Fargo Brothers after the match, including their manager, Sonny Boy Fargo, who lost his tuxedo in the deal." - The Star
OCTOBER 9, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Promoters: Nick Carter & Gus Gulas
Anniston Wrestling Arena (10th/Pine streets), Anniston, Alabama
1 - Women - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Miss Penny Banner Vs. Miss Verne Bottoms,
Result Unknown
2 - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Nick Carter (of Oneonta) Vs. Gino Garibaldi,
Result Unknown
3 - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Tor "The Great" Yomato (of Japan) def. Tex Riley (of Texas)
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
This is billed as the first triple main event of the season.
Garibaldi and Bottoms are both making their first appearances here this season.
Garibaldi is 245lbs.
"Yamato is being brought back by popular demad, which doesn't mean that the crowd likes the Japanese but that they would like to see him get his ears pinned back."
"Yomato's story is an interesting one. Arriving here in America nine years ago, the Japanese seemed to take pleasure from the first in antagonizing the fans who irritated him with their cries of 'Send the dog back to Japan.'
The Japanese wrestling star specializes in judo and has won many medals for its use in his home country. Tor holds many championships.
Among them are the Northwest heavyweight championship and the Southern junior heavyweight championship." - The Star
Yomato threw salt in Riley's eyes for the win.
OCTOBER 16, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Wrestling
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
Referee: Freddie Lee (match 2)
1 - Special Grudge Match - Oen Fall
Carl Fraser (of Gadsden) Vs. Billy Lawley (of Anniston),
Draw
2 - Australian Tag Team - Two out of Three Falls - No Time-Limit
Nick Carter (of Oneonta, Ala.) & Billy Melby (of Canada) def. Frank "Tarzan" Hewitt (of Buffalo, NY) & Danny Dusek (of Omaha, Neb.),
Two Falls to One - Disqualification
3 - Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship - Return Grudge Match - To A Finish - Two out of Three Falls - No Time-Limit
Tor "The Great" Yamota (c) Vs. Tex "Terrible" Riley,
No Contest - One Fall Each
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
Fraser weighs 255lbs, and Lawley 220.
Melby weighs 220lbs, and Carter weighs 240.
Hewitt weighs 260lbs and Dusek 230.
Dusek threw the referee out of the ring, which got his team disqualified.
Match 3 was orderd by the State Athletic Commission.
"W.A. Nugent, chief inspector for the Athletic Commission, said that the Japanese television star will be searched before the match and that a new referee will be appointed." - The Star
It's said the Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship belt is worth $1,000.
It was reported the last fall turned into "a wholesale riot between wrestlers, officials and fans."
OCTOBER 23, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
Referee: Freddie Lee (match 3)
1 - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Toni Martin "Newcomer" (of California) def. Nick Carter "Veteran" (of Oneonta, Ala.),
Two Falls to One
2 - Boxing - Six Ounce Gloves - Fight To A Finish - Knockout Only
Bill Lawley (of Anniston) def. Carl Fraser (of Gadsden),
Forfeit
3 - Souther Junior Heavyweight Championship - Two out of Three Falls - No Time-Limit
Tor Yamato def. Tex Riley (of Amarillo),
Disqualification
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
Martin weighs 230lbs, and Carter 240.
Carter was bleeding profusely at the end of match 1.
"I want another shot at Martin next Wednesday," said Carter.
Lawley weighs 220lbs, and Fraser weighs 255.
Fraser is a former Emma Sanson High School football star from Gadsdem.
With the boxing it's said, "Professional boxing returns to Anniston."
Fraser failed to show up for the match and subsequently was suspended for 90 days by the State Athletic Commission.
Following last week's match between Riley and Yamato, W.A. Nugent of the Alabama Athletic Commission, took the $1,000 belt and will keep a hold of it until a champion is deifinitively decided.
Riley was disqualified when "Nick Carter jumped into the ring to flatten both the Japanese grappler and Referee Lee."
"But there still was confusion, even among State Athletic Commission members, as to just who won the bout. The guess in most corners was that Carter was the victor, since he jumped through the ropes to whip both Yamato and Lee."- The Star
The last match broke out into "a wholesale brawl"
OCTOBER 30, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Wrestling: Action! Spills! Thrills!
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
1 - Girls - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Belle Drummond def. "Glamorous" Peaches Grable,
Two Falls to One
2 - One Fall - Thirty Minute Time-Limit
Ronnie McKay def. George "Baby Blimp" Harris,
Disqualification
3 - Australian Tag Team - Two out of THree Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
"Japanese Star" Tor Yamato & George "Baby Blimp" Harris def. Ronnie McKay & Nick Carter,
Two Falls to One (F1 RM/NC ??:??:?? - F2 TY/GB ??:??:?? - F3 RM/NC ??:??:?? - C ??:??:??)
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
The Blimp weighs 270lbs.
"After graduating from high school, Mary Jane Mull was a professional model in the larger department stores in Toledo, Ohio, her home town.
After watching Nell Stewart and a couple of other glamour gals in the ring, Mary Jane decided to go into wrestling where she has become one of the game's brightest stars.
Mary Jane can perform miracles with a needle, too. She makes practically all of her own clothes and has a very original wardrobe, also doing her own designing. In her spare time, she is either sewing or listening to her fabulous collection of jazz records, a hobby she started several years ago." - The Star
The October 30, 1957 newspapers advertises the folllowing card:
1 - Carl Frazier Vs. Bill Lawley
2 - Toni Martin Vs. Nick Carter
3 - Tor Yamota Vs. Tex Riley
[That card was from the week before. I am guessing they printed the wrong ad by accident]
Originally Mary Jane Mull was advertised to face Grable.
The end of the tag team match came about when all four wrestlers engaged in a brawl in the ring.
It's reported flu and bad weather hampered this week's attendance.
november 1957
NOVEMBER 6, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Promoters: Gus Gulas & Nick Carter
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
1 - Girls Wrestle Royal
Millie Stafford def. Verne Bottoms, Peaches Grable, Mae Goodner & Belle Drummond
2 - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Paul Carpentier Vs. Leo Walleck,
Two Falls to One
Notes:
The show strts at 20:15.
"We have gone all out this week to give the people a little bit something different," said the promoters.
"I believe everyone willw ant to see this show, because it certainly is one of the best we've had."
In the wrestle royal the last girl eliminated wins.
Stafford is said to be "one of the nation's leading candidates for the women's wrestling championship."
Grable is said to be one of the "prettiest women wrestlers."
It's said Carpentier is the East Coast Heavyweight Champion.
Said to be his initial performance of the season here.
"'We were very fortunate in obtaining Carpentier for out show,' Gulas and Carter agreed. 'He is one of the most sought after wrestlers in the business.'" - The Star
NOVEMBER 9, 1957 (SATURDAY)
WABT-TV-Channel 13 (Birmingham): Live Wrestling
Anniston, Alabama
Notes:
Airs at 22:30.
NOVEMBER 13, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Promoters: Gus Gulas & Nick Carter
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
1 - Single Fall - Twenty Minute Time-Limit
Paul Carpentier def. Ali Bey "The Mad Turk",
Disqualification
2 - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Chief Kit Fox def. Pancho Gonzales,
Two Falls to One
3 - Australian Tag Team - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Freddie Blassie & Ali Bey def. Paul Carpentier & Tex Riley (of Amarillo, Tex.),
Two Falls to One
Notes:
This show starts at 20:15.
"This should be the best tag team match of the season for Anniston," the promoters agreed. "We are bringing together four of the roughest boys in the business and they'll give the fans their money's worth." - Th Star
Riley weighs 230lbs.
Blassie is billed as the Southern Heavyweight Champion.
Carpentier is listed as the East Coast Heavyweight Champion.
Match 1 was advertised as Bad Boy Hines versus Tex Riley.
Blassie's partner was advertised as being Bad Boy Hines.
NOVEMBER 16, 1957 (SATURDAY)
WABT-TV-Channel 13 (Birmingham): Live Wrestling
Anniston, Alabama
Notes:
Airs at 22:30.
NOVEMBER 20, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Anniston, Alabama
"Wrestling Riot Hurts Policemn
New York UPI - Two policemen were injured in a riot at Madison Square Garden last night after the end of a wrestling card.
The disorder started following a tag-team match in which Antonio Rocca and Eduardo Carpentier were declared winners over Jerry Graham aand Dick Afflis.
Beer cans, pop bottles, chairs and seats were hurled from the balcony and various fist fights broke out. Several men were arrested on charges of disorderly conduct. A 33-man police detail finally restored order.
'It was really tough,' said an unidentified bystander.
Julius Helfand, chairman of the New York Athletic Commission, said he would make an investigation." - The Star
Wrestling
Promoters: Gus Gulas & Nick Carter
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
1 - One Fall
Tom Drake def. Freddie Blassie,
Disqualification
2 - Australian Tag Team - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Freddie Blassie & "The Terrible Turk" Ali Bey def. Tex Riley & Tom Drake,
Two Falls to One (F1 TR/TD ??:??:?? - F2 FB/AB ??:??:?? - F3 FB/AB ??:??:?? - C ??:??:??)
3 - Women - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
"World's Ugliest Girl Wrestler" Lady Angel def. Verne Bottoms,
Two Falls to One
Notes:
Drake is said to be a former University of Chattanooga football star.
Blassie is billed as the Southern Junior Heavyweight Champion.
Riley is billed as the Southern Junior Light Heavyweight Champion.
The press release for the Lady Angel said, "The only one alive. The bald headed horror coming from Europe. The horror face. She makes women faint and children cry." - The Star
"This should be our greatest show," agreed the promoters. "There's not a finer performer anywhere and Lady Angel has broken attendance records all over the nation."
Following the tag team match Carter jumped into the ring and attacked Blassie.
Carter then challenged Blasside to a fight for the finish.
"I almost beat Blassie the last time we met," said Carter, "and after last night's lousy deal I'll take him apart."
Battling Bozo was in attendance.
Fans managed to raise $40 for Bozo, who is now blind.
NOVEMBER 23, 1957 (SATURDAY)
WABT-TV-Channel 13 (Birmingham): Live Wrestling
Anniston, Alabama
Notes:
Airs at 22:30.
NOVEMBER 27, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
Attendance: "Big Crowd"
Referee: Red Byrd (match 3)
1 - One Fall - Thirty Minute Time-Limit
"Wild" Bill Laawley (of Anniston) def. Red Byrd,
Disqualification
2 - Women - One Fall - Thirty Minute Time-Limit
Verne Bottoms def. Jo Ann Mullinax,
Result Unknown
3 - Women - Two out of THree Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Penny Banner def. Lady Angel,
Two Falls to One
4 - Grudge Match - No Time-Limit - Two ouf of Three Falls
Freddie Blassie def. Nick Carter (of Oneonta),
Two Falls to One (F1 NC 00:02:00- - F2 FB ??:??:?? - F3 FB ??:??:?? - C ??:??:??)
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
Said to be Lawley's "first big wrestling opportunity."
Mullinax was advertised to face Mary Jane Mull.
Blassie is billed as the Southern Heavyweight Champion.
"Blassie won the last fall with both [feet?] hanging over the ropes but referee Red Byrd claimed that he didn't see the infraction of the rules.
He checked with the officials of the Alabama Athletic Commission and said that they confirmed the decision was illegal. However, he announced to the big crowd present that he coould not change his decision."
Theyu will wrestle again next week.
NOVEMBER 30, 1957 (SATURDAY)
WABT-TV-Channel 13 (Birmingham): Live Wrestling
Anniston, Alabama
Notes:
Airs at 22:30.
december 1957
DECEMBER 4, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
1 - One Fall
Mr. Moto Jr. "Japanese Television Star" def. Charlie Keene
2 - Australian Tag Team - Sixty Minute Time-Limit - Two out of Three Falls
Tex Riley (of Amarillo, Tex.) & "Old Favorite" Charlie Keene Vs. Mr. Moto Jr. & Ken Kenneth,
Two Falls to None - Disqualification
3 - Return Grudge Match - No Time-Limit - No Fall Limit - To A Finish
Freddie Blassie def. Nick Crter
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
Riley is listed as the former Junior Heavyweight Champion.
It's saiod Kenneth's "goatee gives him a villainous appearance."
Keneth is also billed as the Australian Heavyweight Champion.
Blassie is listed as the Souther Heavyweight Champion.
It's said Blassie's boxing skills got him the victory.
Carter challenged Blassie to a six-ounce glove boxing match next week.
"Both wrestlers have had professional boxing experience." - The Star
DECEMBER 11, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Promoter: Gus Gulas & Nick Carter
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
1 - One Fall - Thirty Minute Time-Limit
Ken Kennnth Vs. Bill Melby
2 - Australian Tag Team - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Ken Kenneth & Mr. Moto Jr. Vs. Reggie Parks & Bill Melby
3 - Boxing - Six-Ounce Gloves - Ten Rounds
Nick Carter (of Oneonta) Vs. Freddie Blassie
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
It's said a couple of new heaters will be in full operation for this show.
Blassie is listed as the Southern Heavyweight Champion.
The show is postponed due to, "A record freeze, with temperatures dropping to 12 degrees."
DECEMBER 18, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Promoters: Gus Gulas & Nick Carter
Anniston Wreslting Arena, Anniston, Alabama
Referee: Freddie Lee (match 3)
1 - Women - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Millie Stafford Vs. Jo Ann Mullinax,
Two Falls to One
2 - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
"Newcoemer" Reggie Parks def. Mr. Moto Jr. "Japanese Television Star",
Two Falls to One
3 - Boxing - Six-Ounce Gloves - Ten Rounds
Nick Carter "Veteran Grappler" (of Oneonta) Vs. Freddie Blassie,
Result Unknown
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
"We certainly want to apologize to the people in Anniston for last week's postponement but it was just too cold for both the fans and wrestlers," Carter said.
"Shows were called off all over the country because of the cold weather. We have gone to a lot of trouble and expense to bring Anniston to bring Anniston fans an even bigger and better show next week. We have enough heat in the Anniston Wrestling Arena to heat any building on an ordinary winter night. We have installed two new heaters and they'll be in operation." - The Star
It's said "Professional boxing returns to Calhoun County" in regards to tonight's match.
"Blassie made a name for himself as a heavyweight knockout artist aroudn the Midwest."
Carter is said to have had 20 professional fights.
Blassie is listed as the Southern Heavyweight Champion.
"We have gone to a lot of trouble and expense to bring this boxing event to the Anniston public," said Gulas, "and don't forget that we've got two terrific wrestling events on the program also."
DECEMBER 25, 1957 (WEDNESDAY)
Wrestling: Christmas Special
Promoter: Nick Gulas
Anniston Wrestling Arena, Anniston, Alabama
Attendance: "One of the Largest Crowds of the Season" / "Capacity House"
1 - Rube Wright (of Mobile) def. Bill Lawley (of Anniston)
2 - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Rube Wright Vs. Dick/Bob Boyer,
Time-Limit Draw (01:00:00)
3 - Australian Tag Team Match - Two out of Three Falls - Sixty Minute Time-Limit
Nick Carter (of Oneonta) & Reggie Parks (of Mobile) def. Tor "the Great" Yamato & Mr. Moto Jr. (Both of Japan),
Two Falls to None
Notes:
The show starts at 20:15.
Gulas was said to be "hopeful of obtaining Jack and Verne Dunnevant, "The only man-wife team in wrestling."
About five days before the show the following match is advertised, but it does not appear to have taken place:
1 - Thirty Minute Time-Limit
Reggie Parks Vs. Mr. Moto Jr.
This is said to be Wright's debut here.
Boyer is billed as a former football player from Syracuse University, a member of the team that "got slaughtered" in the 1953 Orange Bowl "classic."
Match 2 is originally advertised as two out of three falls, but it ends up being a one fall match.
It is said in the local Star newspaper of the main event that it was, "one of the wildest finishes ever witnessed at the Wrestling Arena."
DECEMBER 26, 1957 (THURSDAY)
Anniston, Alabama
Nick Gulas announces that he will be looking to bring in new and exciting talent in the new year including Tarzan White the former All-American football player for the University of Alabama.
DECEMBER 28, 1957 (SATURDAY)
WABT-TV-Channel 13 (Birmingham): Live Wrestling
Anniston, Alabama
Note:
Airs at 22:30.
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
All research has been completed by the Professional Wrestling Historical Society or by a trusted contributor.
Information came from contemporary newspapers unless otherwise stated.
Results from Alabama, United States of America: 1957.
Updated: March 7, 2020.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
All research has been completed by the Professional Wrestling Historical Society or by a trusted contributor.
Information came from contemporary newspapers unless otherwise stated.
Results from Alabama, United States of America: 1957.
Updated: March 7, 2020.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.
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